Chris Sutton has admitted a Liverpool player has made a mistake this season after previously questioning whether the 32-year-old was over his age.
Jurgen Klopp’s side continue to challenge on all four fronts this season and Virgil van Dijk’s excellent form is one of the key reasons for United’s strong performance.
The Dutch signing follows Jordan Henderson’s departure to Saudi Arabia last summer and the centre-back has hit a world-class level.Liverpool have conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League this season (18) and Sutton admits he has doubts about the Dutchman.
The former Celtic striker told BBC Football Daily (via Rousing The Kop): “Ever since he got injured, I wondered if he could get back to his amazing level as a defender.”
“At one point I thought he was the best defender in the world. I thought maybe he lost his yard. Maybe his confidence has taken a hit and he doesn’t feel like the player he used to be. “But this season, I think he’s getting better as the season goes on. “Of course, he is always responsible, but it is good news for Liverpool.
“Van Dijk obviously needed some time to recover from a serious knee injury a few years ago, but he is now proving why he is considered one of the best defenders in the world. His powerful presence in the backline will terrorize forwards and it is no coincidence that Klopp’s side are back to their best and our number four is no different.
He has led by example this season and will want nothing more than to win the Liverpool captaincy this season. So far so good, but there is still a long way to go!
